The winds are changing, literally! I can hear wind howling outside my window and this September is inching closer and closer to fall.
Fall baking is probably one of my absolute favorite things, the smell of warm bread baking, the scent of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and caramel fill the air. It's a time to prep for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving and hosting warm and cozy dinner parties.
I can smell the apple cake my mom always made for us, a simple bundt filled with apples a slight lemon flavor and cinnamon. That cake gives me all the warm vibes and memories of childhood. I wanted to take those same warm feelings and moist, tender cake and create a simple but elegant pear skillet cake. Something you can whip up in a matter of minutes but yet showcase so elegantly for a dinner party or a brunch. Cakes like this don't require frosting or anything special, their simplicity is what makes them so beautiful.
Recipe adaptations
The one thing I have learned from developing recipes, whether it be sweet or savory, once you have an understanding of flavors, bases and layering, you can cook or bake anything. This recipe is an adaptation of my mother's apple cake recipe. Because, why alter completely if the recipe is a winner! I used similar ratios of dry and liquids but changed out some details to create a slightly different flavor.
Pear vs. Apple
Fall is all about pears and apples! I could leave pumpkin behind in the dust...not my cup of tea. There are many folks with apple allergies so subbing pears is such a simple way to convert a recipe with similar flavor and texture. Since pears can get very soft, I recommend working with slightly firmer pears when baking with them. This way they are able to retain their shape and not fall apart completely. More times than not, you can absolutely substitute apples for pears!
As we approach the cooler fall days, I hope you give this simple but elegant recipe a try for your next event or simply for your morning with a cup of coffee or tea. As always, I love seeing your creations, be sure to tag me on Facebook or Instagram!
xoxo,
Cosette
Pear Skillet Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: cakes
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: baked goods
Description
A simple snacking cake that is wonderful for breakfast or elegant enough for a dinner party.
Ingredients
- 5 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 splash of bourbon or whiskey (can be omitted)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cardamom powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ cup canola oil (or another neutral oil)
- ½ cup whole milk plain yogurt
- ½ cup milk (any variety, whole milk is ideal)
- 3 pears sliced, firm
- powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare your 12" skillet (or baking pan). Butter and flour your skillet to ensure there is a well coated surface.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, add your eggs, vanilla and whiskey and beat for 2 minutes on high speed.
- Add in your sugar and beat for another 2-3 minutes until pale and golden.
- Next add in your dry ingredients slowly while machine is running on low.
- Finally, begin adding your liquid ingredients: oil, yogurt and milk.
- Beat on high until everything is combined, batter will be thick.
- Pour your batter into your prepared skillet and top with concentric slices of pear, I like to leave the skin on.
- Bake for 75-90 minutes until golden brown and tester comes out clean when inserted.
- Let cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Notes
- Whiskey can be omitted, it does bake off and helps with minimizing eggy taste.
- Cake can be topped with salted caramel for an ultra decadent flavor, I like this recipe by Sally's Baking Addiction.
Sandy Bowen says
I have been making pair relish. But I may try this cake
Cosette's Kitchen says
Yay! Hope you try it, let me know how you like it.
xoxo,
Cosette